What type of assessment collects data about a problem that has already been identified?

The focus assessment is designed to gather specific data about a problem that has already been identified. This type of assessment is typically completed after an initial comprehensive assessment has been conducted, allowing the healthcare provider to concentrate on a particular area of concern or a specific issue related to the patient’s health status.

In practice, a focus assessment is used to delve deeper into the specifics of a patient's condition, updating information as it relates to a previously identified diagnosis or issue. This helps in monitoring changes, evaluating treatment efficacy, or addressing new symptoms that are directly related to the existing problem, thereby ensuring that care is targeted and effective.

In contrast, the other types of assessments serve different purposes. A diagnostic assessment aims to establish a diagnosis, the initial assessment provides a broad overview of the patient's health upon first contact, and a comprehensive assessment collects extensive data about various aspects of a patient's health to create a complete health profile. Each serves its unique role in patient care but does not specifically focus on reassessing an already identified problem.